Stretching apparatus for hides



ST. CLAIR EDE STRETCHIHQ APPARATUS FOR HIDES ila@ March 9 1926.

. 1,576,418 s-r. CLAIR EDE STRETGHING APPARATUS FOR HIDES Filed March 18, 1925l 4 Sheets-Sheet52 III 1 VENToR vBY az: www ZZ@ l Patented Mar. 9, i926.

`sr. CLAIR EDE, or nimo-aun, rovvjA; f

STRETCHING 'APPARATUS FOR'IH-IS.

Application filed VMarch 1S, i925. y'Serial No. 16,421.

To all whom t may concern.' .Y

Be it `known that l, ST. :Cranz Een, a citizen orf the United States, residingin the city and county of Bulouquey and State -of Iowa, have invented certain lnew and useful Improvements Ain Stretching Apparatus for Hides, of which the following is a speeication.

This invention relates to a stretching apparatus for hides, and has for its object to provide, in a Amanner as hereinafterfset forth, an apparatus of such class, having means `to facilitate the-stretching of Iand for-maintaining Vthe hide in the position to which it has beenst-retched, and further Iincluding means for suspending the fhide While heldin stretched position.

A further object of the 'invention is fto provide, in a-manner ashereinafter set forth, a stretching apparatus including aneans for suspending a plurality of hides in spaced relation While held in stretched position.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as'h'ereinafter setforth, an apparatus `of the -class referred to, invcluding a stretcher frame pick-up element for suspending astretcher frame having the hide connected thereto and heldin stretched position.

A further object ofthe invention is to provide, ina manner'as hereinafter set forth, an apparatus lof the class referred to, =inhidinga supporting element and a stretcher franie, and with said element and framehaving eo-acting means to detachably maintain the frame in horizontal and -in vertica'fl position with the hide connected thereto.

A further object of the invention is Lto provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, an apparaus of the class referred to including a detachably supported stretcherframe Y capableof being revolved to 4facilitate the stretching of a hide,- -and further to enable the hide to Jbe secured to both sides of the,

further object invention is Vto provide, ina manner yas hereinafter set forth, an appanatus of thelvclass referred .to,finl cludi-ng ,a portable frame supportingtelement haming; series of shiftable .members for re-` movably supporting a ,stretcher ,frame in f horizontal. ,position andrwith .saidelement further gprovided with means for simultaneously shifting .said .members to ,and from sirpporting position -vviith` .respect to the stretcher, fra-ine,

of theinvention, but it is to 'be understood that changes, varlationsland modifications can be, :resorted to which come Within the scope of the claims hereunto appended,

In the drawings wherein like .reference characters denote .corresponding parts throughout the several views f Jiigure l is .a 'front elevation, partly in section, 4,of an apparatus for stretching hides,

in accordance rWithythis invention, .and il- Y lustratin-g the stretcher frame in vertical position and ,arranged fbeloiv :the pick-.up ele` nient therefor.

Figure 2 is an endelevationof the apfparatus.. v y

Figure 3 is ,a cross sectional view ofthe .apparatus and illustrating the stretcher frame, yin full lines, in horizontal-ly supported position, and in `dotted lines in vertically elevated position in engagement with the pickeup element. A Y

i Figure l vis a top plan ,view illustrating the stretcher :frame infhorizontal supported position. v

Figure 5 is a front elenation of the .portas ble .supporting element or carriage.`

Figure isa top plan view-of the stretcher frame. f i f e Figure/7 is a section on line 7&7, Figure 6. Figure :8 isa section on lineSf-S, Eigure 6.

los

` for apurpose hereinafter yreferred to.

An apparatus lfor stretching hides, in accordance with this invention, comprises a travelling carriage or supporting element, one or more stretching frames, one or more stretcher frame pick-up devicespor elements, one or more pairs o-f trolleys corresponding to the number of pick-up devices, a track for the carriage, and a track for the trolleys. As

illustrated, there is shown but one stretcher frame, one pick-up device and one trolley.

Referring to the drawings in detail, 1 denotes a set of hangers Aand 2 indicates another set of hangers. f Preferably the hangers of one set are arranged in alignment with respect to the hangers of the other set. The sets of hangers depend from a suitable support','not'shown. `Secured againstthe inner face of the set of hangers 1, by the hold-fast devices 3, is al longitudinally extending beam 4, and secured by the hold-fast devices 5 to theinner face of the hangers of the set 2 is a'longitudinally extending beam 6. The setof hangers 1' is maintained in spaced re- -lation with respect to the set yof hangers 2 -by brace members 7, which are mounted on the topof the beams 4, 6, and these latter are .permanently arranged in spaced relation. v

Depending from the bottom ofthe beam 4`is-a series of inverted yokes 8 and each of which has each arm thereof, at its-lower end, provided with an inwardly extending flange 9. The flanges 9 of the arms of'each yoke 8 'are spaced fromeach other but arranged in opposed relation andconstitute a support for a purpose hereinafter referred to. Each of the yokes 8 is secured to the beam 4 by a hold-fast device4 10. v f

Depending from vthe bottom ofthe beam '6 is a series of inverted yokes 11 and each of which has each arm thereof, at its lower end, providedwith an inwardly extending flange `12. The flanges 12 of thearms of each yoke 11 are spaced from each other, butv arranged in opposed relation and constitute. a support Each of the yokes 11 is secured to the beam" G by a hold-fast device 13.

(The track for the trolleys of the stretcher frame pick-up device is formed fronra pair of track rails supported by the yokes 8V and 11'. One of the track rails is indicated at 14 and is supported by the yokes 8, and the other of the track rails is indicated at 15.

and supported bythe yokes 11.r Eacli of the track rails consists of a longitudinally extending inverted channel iron having each side thereof, at its lower end, formed with an inwardly extendingV flange `16. The flanges 1.6 of eaclrchannel iron arearranged in spaced relation but oppose each other, and the flanges of the track member 14 are supported bythe flanges 9 of theyokes 8, and the flanges 16 of the track member 15 are supported by the flanges 12 of the yokes 11. The free ends of the flanges 9 and 12 align Vwith the free ends of the flanges 16. The track members 14 and 15 are of less heightthan the yokes 8 and 11. The track members may be of any length desired.

Carrying each stretcher frame pick-up devvice or element, the latter constituting a suspending means for the stretcher frame, is a pair of trolleys indicated at 17, 18. The trolley 17 travels in the track member 14, and trolley 18 in the track member 15. Each trolley comprises a body portion 19, see dotted line showing in Figure 2, and to each end of the body portion 19 is connected a pair of trolley wheels 20. The pair of trolley wheels at the front of the body pore tion 19 is shown in full lines in Figure 1, and the pair of trolley wheels at the rear end of the body Vportion 19is shown in side elevation, see dotted lines Figure 2. The ltrolley wheels of each pair' are arranged in spaced relation. The trolley wheels travel upon the flanges 16 of the track members andare positioned in close proximity to the inner faces of the sides ofthe track members. NVhen two or more pairs of trolleys are employed, one pair abutting `against an adjacent pair provides in connection `with the Llatter a spacing kmedium for a pair of stretcher frames when heldin suspended position by a pair of pick-up devices or elements. f

i 1With referenceto Figures 1, 2 andv 3, the stretcher framefpick-up device or element is clearly shown, and ywhich comprises a yokeshaped suspension member 21 formed ofv a flat stripfof metallic material and having one arm connectedy to vthe body portion of the trolley 17, centrally thereof, and its other arm connected to the body portion v19 of the trolley 18, centrally thereof. The arms of the suspension member 21 `are indicated at 22,23, and the former extends down between the flanges 1G ofthe track member 14, and the latter vextends down between the .flanges 1G of the track member 15. Fixcdly secured to the member 21 and abutting against each of the arms thereof, is a pick-up hook 24. Each of these hooks depends a substantial kdistance from the member 21, and the means for lixedly securing each of the hooks to the member21 is indicated at 25. Each of the hooks 24vis formed from .a metallic strap provided at its top `with a right angular extension 26, which overlaps the upper face yof thel base of themember 21 and is fixedly lsecured therewith by the hold-fast devices 25. The lower end of the member 24 is formedwith an angle-shaped extension 27 of greater length than the extension 2G and which constitutesthe hooking portion of the hook 24.

The travelling carriage or supporting element for the stretcher frame is best shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, and which is shiftedfupon the track rails 28, 29. yThe saidI carriage comprises a rectangular frame' formed of pair ofV end bars 30, 31', and a pairofside bars 32, 33. The bars'of the frame are connected together by corner pieces 34. The bars of the frame are formed from angleiron's and invertedfwhereby one ofthe arms of each of the irons will project/outwardly at the upper end thereof, see Figure 3'.

Positioned against the lower edges of the side bars 32 and 33, as well as projecting therefrom, is a series of spaced transversely extending supporting members 35, 36, 37 and 38. The members and 38 are spaced inwardly a substantial distance with respect to the end bars 31.4 Each of said supporting membersis constructed from a metallic strip of substantial width and-thickness, and comprisesaan intermediate Vyoke-shaped portion 39 and-a pair ofoppositely extending end portions 40, 41, which project outwardly from the upper ends of the sides ofthe. intermediate portion andfurther project beyond the. side bars 31 and33. The end portions 40, 41 Yare secured to the side bars 32, 33by short angle irons42 secured in position by holdff'ast devices 43 and 44. y

Mountedl on each endportion 40 and 41 is atrectangular bar45. `The bars 45 are of a length to extend from the supporting'member 35 to the supporting member 38 and to project-` slightly over the intermediate portion 39. One ofthebars 45`abuts against the sidebar 32, and the other bar 45l against the sidebar 43,` see Figure 3. The bars 45 are secured tofthe end portions 40, 41 by the hold-,fast devices 46.`

Mountedupon the intermediate portions 39 of the members 35, 36, 37`vand138, and of alength to extend from the member 35 to the member138, is a= series ofi-lat abutting bars 47., 48- and 49.v4 -The bar 48 is secured to` the intermediate portions 39' bythe holdfast devices 50. Mounted on the bars 47 ancl49 and abutting against thevertical parts ofthe intermediate portions 39, are the flat bars 51, 52, which project slightly onto the bar 48;` Thebars -47 and` 51 are secured together by the hold-fast devices 53, and the. bars 49 and `52-are secured together by the hold-fast devices 54.V The bars 47, 48,49, 51 and 52V are inthe form of wooden planks, `and' vthe upper faces of the bars 5 1 and 52 are flush with the upper faces ofthe end portions 40, 41 of the members 35- to 38 inclusive.

Extending transversel'ywith respect to the frame formed by the bars 31, 32 and 33, as well as vdisposed centrally with respect to said frame, is a supporting member 55, see Figure 1, and whichisformed of a pair of opposed arms 56, 57, which are connected tegether by curved! @curling nOItQnS The member 55 further includes l'an arm 59 which projects from the couplingV portion 58' and is positioned centrallywith respect `to the latter. The arms56 and 57 project outwardly withrespect tothe side bar 33, and the arm 59 projects!rearwardly with respect to'rtheside bar 32. The ysupporting member 55 yis formed"witlran intermediate yoke- Vshaped portion and apair of oppositely rex# tending end portions, or in other words the contour of' the. member 55 is the same as either of the members 35 to 38 inclusive, in side elevation. The member 55 is arranged in alignment with respect to the members 35 to 38 inclusive, andthe bare 45', 47, 48, 49,

' 51 and 52 are arranged in the saine relation Vwith' respect to the member 55 as they are arranged with respect to the members 35 to 38 inclusive. The hold fast Vdevices 60 are employed for connecting the bars 45 to the member' 55. Hold-fast devices 61 are '1employed for connecting the bars47 and51 together and to the member 55.y Hold`-fast devices 62 are employed for connecting the bars 49 and 52 together and to the member 55, and hold-fast devices 63l are employed for connecting the bar 48 to the member 55.

Arranged against the side bar 33 of the frame of the carriage and projecting out` the hold-fast devices 67. rlie fcrward ends ofthe members 35 to 38 inclusive are flush with the outer" side edge oftherbar64.

Secured to each end portion of thev suprporting member 36 and to each end portion of the supportingl member 37, is a strap 68. The stra-ps 68 which are arrangedl at the forward end portions of said members 36, 37, are provided with aligning bearings' 69, and the straps 63 which -arearranged atV the rearward end portions of the members 36, 37, are provided with aligning bearings 79.` Mounted in the bearings69 is a shaft 7l carrying atfeach endv a wheel 72, and said wheels 72 travelon the track' rails 28, 29. Carried by the bearings is a shaft 73, having each end provided with a wheel 74, and thel wheels 74-travel on the track rails 28, 29; Theshaft 71 and wheels 7 2y are arranged below the protecting bar 64, and

the .shaft 73 lwith the wheels 74 is arranged rearwardly ofthe side bar 32 porting fran'iccf the carriage.

of the sup- 'arm 56, 57 of the supporting-`member 55,

The bar 64 is also secured.'

lli)

is a bearing 75, and secured to the rear end portion of each supgorting member 85, 88

and 55 is a bearing n Mounted in the. bearings 76 is a rock shaft 77 which projects from each end of the rear bar 45 and has each end thereof provided with an upwardly extending crank arm, as indicated at 78, 79 Vand operating in theopening formed between the .supporting` members 85 and 38 and end bars 31. Connected to the crank arms 78, 79, are upstanding links 80, 81 respectively, which have their upper ends pivotally connected, as at 82, 88 respectively, to the inner ends of the crank arms 84, 85 respectively, carried on one end of the crank shafts 86, 87 respectively. y

Secured to the inner face of'each `of the end bars 31 of the carriage frame is a vertically extending channel iron which constitutes a guide for a vertically shiftable frame support. s One of said guides is indicated at 88, and the other at 89. The guides 88 and 89 are disposed centrally with respect to the end bars 81 and extend a substantial distance thereabove, and said guides are oppositely disposed with respect to each other and further open inwardly. Secured to the outer face of the guides y88, 89, and extending tranversely thereof are n supporting brackets 90, 91 respectively, and each of said brackets, at each end thereof, kis provided with a bearing. The bearings carried by the -bracketi'90 are indicated at 92, and those by the bracket Qlfat 93. Mounted lin the bearings 92 is the crank shaft 86, and mounted in the bearings 93 is the Vcrank shaft 87. Mounted on the crank shaft 86 is Veo a spring controlled lever 94 provided. with an inwardly extending supporting lug 95. Mounted on the crank shaft'87 and arranged in alignment with the spring controlled lever arm 94, is a lever arm 96 provided with an inwardly extending .supportinf lug 97. Formed integral with'the crank arm 84 is an upstanding spring controlled lever arm 98 provided withan inwardly extending supporting lug 99, and formed integral with ythe crank arm 85 is a spring controlled rip-standing lever arm 100 provided with an'inwardly extendingsupporting lug 101. The lever arm 98 is arranged in alignment with the lever arm 100. The controlling springs for the lever arms 94, 96, 98 and 100 are indicated at 102, and each of which is connected at its upper end to a lateral pin 108 carried by the lever arm with which the spring associates, and the latter has its lower end anchored to a pin 104, carried by the inner face ofA an end bar of the frame of the carriage. The controlling` springs 102 normally maintain the lever arms 94, 96,98 and 100 at an outward inclination with respect to the guides 84 and 85. .The lever arms 94 and 102 extend, when vin normal position, in an opposite direction with respect to the lever arms 96 and 100. The lugs 95, 97, 99 and 101 provide means for supporting the stretcher frame, to" be hereinafter referred to, in horizontal posi'- tion, when the lever arms 94, 96, 98 and 100 are swung inwardly against 'the action of .their controlling springs and to the position illustrated with respect to the lever arms 96 and 100, asshown in Figurer 8. y The shafts 77, 86 and 87 connect the lever arms 94, 96, 98 and 100 together so that if any one of thelever arms is shifted inwardly, the other lever arms will be moved simultaneously therewith, Byv this arrangement the .su} )porting lugs are shifted synehronously to and from supporting position with respect to the stretcher frame.

Mounted in the guide 88 is a vertically movable stretcher frame 'support 105 of a length vwhen in lowered po'sitio'n'to depend below the supporting member 85. The support 105 is Islidably connected to the guide 88 by a l'coupling member 106, which is secured to the upper end of the guide 88 and overlaps` the member-105,"and the latter is also slidably connected to the guide 88 by a strap' 107, which overlaps the guide 88 and the member 105 and which is secured to the inner face of that end barof the frame of the carriage to which the guide 88' is secured. vi I Mounted" in the guide 89 isa vertically movable stretcher frame support 108 of a length when in lowered -position to depend below thesupporting member 88. The support 108-is slida-bly connected to the guide 89 by a coupling ymember109which'is secured to the upperend of the guide 89 and overlaps the member 108, and the latter is also slidably connected to the guide 89 by a strap 110, which overlaps the guide 89 and the member 108 and which is secured to the inner face of that end bar of the frame of the carriage to which the guide 89 is secured. The upper end of the support 105, as well as the support 108 is cut away to provide a seat 111 and a pair of oppositely extending flared arms 112, and secured to the upper end of each-support is a wear 'strap 113, which conforms in contourto the said end of the support and is further secured tov each side thereof, as at 114.

The supports 105 and 106 are elevated simultaneously through the medium of a shifting mechanism therefor, and 'said mechanism includes a pair of elevating arms 115, 116. The arm 115 is carried on one end ofl a' shaft r117, which is mounted in the bearings 7 5,'and the arm 116 is carried on the other end of the shaft 117. The arms 115, 116 are arranged between the supporting members 35 and 38 and the end bars 31 of the carriage frame. The arms 115 and 116 are angle-shaped in contour and the vertical leg thereof is fixed to the shaft 117 j and is of less height than the length ofthe *horizon-tal leg'I thereof. The lhorizontal Llegs of the arms ,115, 116 are arrangedin the `path of the supports l105, 108 respectively, `and said armsfurther constitute `brakes :for

maintaining the Carriage stationary when the supports 105,` 108 are in lowered "position,

and :when the supports are in such position the said Yarms are forced `against the hed upon which the vtrack rails 28, 29 are arranged. The shifting mechanism further includes a lever arm 118, which is `secured centrally to the shaft 117 and has its outer ftion shownin dotted lines, Figure 3. The

shape of the arms 115, llisCsuch that when the shifting mechanism `is operatedto elevate the supports 105, T108', .the saidk arms will not Contact'with thebasesor ioor upon which the track rails 28, '29 are secured. Thehar y64 acts'as a'prot'ecting medium, not only for the shaft y'71, but -also to prevent the voperator from stumbling over `the lever arm 118. K

` The stretching frame for thehide consists of two 4rpairofendhars:andthe fend hars of one pair are indicatedf119,-j120, and theend `hars of the other pair at 121, 122. -The'loars 119, 120 arearranged in superposedspaced relation, and a similar arrangement is set lup 'with respect to the hars 121, 122. Pos1- tioned between each pair of end hars, at the inner end thereof, is the rear side har'123 of the frame and which also constitutes a lconnecting har co-acting with the pick-up device for the purpose of suspending `the frame, with the. hide thereon, in (vertical position. Arranged )between `the forward ends of the pair of end hars ,is the forward sidehari124 of the-stretcher frame, and said har 124 project-s rheyond theforward end of the pair of -end hars. `The bar 123 is-secured to each `pair of end :'bars by the hold- 4fast devices 125, and the har v124 is secured to each pair ofendfhars hy the hold-fast devices 126. The har 123 is of materially less width than' the. widthof the bar 124.

The frame furthermore includes a stationary and a shiftahle inner har `127, 128 respectively. .'llhestationary bar 127 extends between each pair of end bars and is fixedly connected thereto hy the 'Ahold-fast devices 129. Thebar 127 opposes-and is spaced a slight distance from thebar 124. The .shiftahle `bar 128 `is arranged'hetween the. hars 123 and 127 and extends 4between the bars of each pair of end hars. The bar 128 is provided: with' ia pair o ffstuds 130, KI131,

whicliliexilend therethrough andproject from V each facethereof. The stud 5 130 fahuts againstfthe inner side ofthe hars-1;10, .120,

Vandcthe stud'131 ahuts againstfthefinnerside .of J the. end hars 120, 1.122. Thestuds 130, l131 A prevent lengthwise shifting of ,the har y128 with respect `to* the Ibars 123, 1,27 and 124, or in other-Words, connectsaidhar 128iin position ,and lfurther act as guides` therefor l whenzsaidvbar 128 is `shifted relatively `to the :bars.123, 127. y

.The-har 128, when shifted totstretch-.the whide, isr maintained kin 1 the position to lwhich uit has Alheen shifted, and any snitahle means `may he employed for such purpose, and-hy -way ofexample, aholding means iOr-the ypurpose set forth .1s-.illustrated asl consisting .ofgtwo pair of `angle irons secured Vtowthe outer- :sides of the end hars and: overlapping 1 the same. That pair vof angleirons which Yis esecured to? thefhars .119, '120, ,is indicatedmat 132, 133, and each of fwliich iis; ,formed i throughout with alengthwise extending vrow of openings 134, whicliuegister with openings 135l Vformedin ether-,hars $119,120, and .wthrough each s'et of registering openings is adapted to eXtenda holding pin136, against which the inner Vside .edge of the har `128 is secured to the hars 121, 122 isindicated at 136, 137, and l.each o f lwhichyis Ifoiuned f throughout with 4 a `lengthwise 1 extending row of openings 138, which register with openings 139fo11fmed in the lhars .121, r122, and Y t througheachset -of registering openingsis .adapted to extend aholding pin 1140,.apgainst whichV the` inner` `side edge of ,the hai-128 ahnte. Y "j A re-inforcingqyoke .i141 is positionedcenxtrally of the stretcher frameoverlaps the :sa-me, see Figure 3, and has .itsends secured -Jby the hold-fastdevices 142 -to the bar I12,4, aand-said `yole ,extends aroundflfnd opposes the Aouter edge ofthe sidebar 123.1.ofE the f which ,is mounted on a `seat 111-when ,the

frame is supported upon-the ,travellingcar- ,-rlafre. toolfor shifting'the har 1,28 ytostretch .fthe hideisindicatedy at 146,A andthe reargside .liar 123 `of`thestretcher frame has itsside iedgeprovidedwith-wearirons 147. Thelhide l 148 isfindicate'd v'in4 dotted 4linesfing1li`iguref 1 and 4is mounted' onthe stretcherframegto .overlap the 'har 124, Landgis detaehahlyff se- 4After the hide 148'has been connected to the y outwardly and held in such position by the V145 'and Seats 1.14. l i It will be assumed that the hide has been stretcher frame Aand stretchedv throughthe medium of the bar 128 of they frame, the bar 128 is maintained in its adjusted position through the pins 136, 140; The stretcher traine is supported in horizontal position, see

Figure 3, by the lugs 95, 97, 99 and'101 engaging under the end bars of the frame when the 'levers' 94, 96, 98 and 100 are swung viiiwardly to the position shown in Figures 2 and 3 and the stretcher frame is also supported in horizontal position through the medium of the spindles 145 mounted on*v the seats 114. The spindles 145 in connection with the seats 114 provide means for revolvably supporting the stretcher frame with respect to the-travelling carriage. Vshen the levers 94, 96, 98 and 100'are swung outposition through the medium of the spindles securedto one side ot the frame, the latter revolved and supported in a horizontal position to permit of the hide being secured and stretched the desired degree. The frame is supported on the lugs 95, 97, 99 and 101. The levers 94, 96, 98 and 100vare then moved controlling springs 102, the frame can then be swung to a vertical position, as shown in Figure 1. After the frame has been swung to vertical position, the operator rocks the will be moved in a manner to assume the 'dotted line position in Figure 8, and on such movement of the lifting or shifting arms 1 115, 116, the supports 105 and 108 willbe "elevatedcarrying the frame, with the hide stretched thereon to the dotted line position shown in Figure 3, so that the frame can be connected to a pick-up element and shifted on the tracks 14 and 15 to the point desired.'

NVhen pressure is relieved on the foot tread 119, the arms 115, 116 yassume normal position and the supports 105 and 108 lower to the position shown inFigure 1. When the carriage is being moved'without theA lframe raising on'v the supports'105 and 108,

there is only a' few pounds yweight,'that of the supports themselves, bearing on the floor. Naturally the floor is more or less greasy and the elevating arms which extend under the vsupports are smooth so that ythe carriage `may be moved freely without depressing the `foot tread 119 to slightly elevate such arms.

ports 105 and 108 the weight of this frame yresting largely on the supports will, in turn,

press the elevating arms against the floor,l

thereby providing a braking eiect which is Awith `the suspended frames.

oil!r the invention as claimed.`

.ing while the operator is stretching the hide.

flVhen the frames yare suspended on the hangers and the supports 105 and 10,8 in their Ynormal or lowered position, the inachine can be Vfreely pushed from one end o the track to the otherI without interfering lhen p the frames ai'e suspended they are in almost perfeet alignment and the hooks on the hangers are placed `high enough so that when the iframes are in suspended position, the spindles are above the upper ends of the supports 105and 10,8 so that these latterwill clear the spindles .when the' machine is shifted.

It is thought that the many advantages of an al'iparatus for stretchingr hides', in accordance with this invention, can be readily uii-v dei'stooch and' although the preferred emwardly, the frame is supported infa vertical' bodinient ol. the invention isy as illustrated can be had which will i'lall wit-hin the scope lVhat I claim is: f I

1. An apparatus for stretching'hides comprising a carriage provided with a pair o't vertically shiftable supports and means ior elevating the saine, a revolvable hide stretching frame removablymounted on and elevated by said supports, and a 'liainepick-up .device connecting with the frame when the Anu latter is elevated to suspend the same when clear" or' said supports. shaft 117, by the application oit pressure to Y the foot tread 119, and the shaft 117 is sofk rocked whereby the lifting arms 115,116

2.. An apparatusfoi" stretching hides coin` prisinga carriageprovided with a pair or vertically sliiftable supports and means for elevating the same` a i'evolvable hide stretching frame removably mounted on and elevated by said supports,a iranie pick-up device connecting with the traine when the latter is elevatedto suspend the saine when clear of said supports, and said carriage further including siinultaiieously shift-able sup-l portsy for detacliablyf supporting the stretcher lframe in a horizontal position.

- 4. An apparatus for stretching hides coiupiising a carriage provided with a pair ol 'vertically shiftable supports and means for elevating the same, a revolvable hide stretching rframe removably mountedv oiiand clevated by said supports, a frame pick-up devating means further constituting a brake Lio' tive position. 1c

for the carriage when said means is in inac- 5. An apparatus for stretching hides comprising a carriage, a revolvable hide stretching frame, said carriage including shiltable supports 'for detachably supporting said lrame in horizontai position, said traine and carriage having coacting means iior revolvably supporting said trame and 'further :tor supporting the trame in a vertical position, said carriage further provided With means for elevating the trame when the latter is in vertical position, and a portable pick-upv device engageable with the trame when the latter isielevated for suspending it in vertical position when the `trame is clear of the carriage. Y

(S. An apparatus for stretching hides comprisingl a carriage provided Witha pair .ot vertically shiftable supports and means' for elevating the same,a revolvable hide stretching trainev removably mounted on and elevated by said supports, a 'frame pick-up device connecting With the frame when the latter is elevated to suspend the same when clear oi said supports, and a portable Vsuspension means for said pick-up device.

7 .An apparatus tor stretching hidescomprising a carriage pnovided With a` pair of vertically shiftable supports and means for elevating the same, a revolvahle hide stretching frame removably 'mounted on and elevated by said supports, a frame pick-up de-l vice connecting with the 'trame `when `the latter is elevated to suspend the same when clear of said supports, said carriage further including simultaneously shiftable supports for Y, 'detachably supporting the stretcher frame in a horizontal position, and a portable suspensionmeans for said pick-up de-` vice. f

8. An apparatus yfor stretching' hides comprising a hide stretching frame, means for supporting sa-id frame in a vertical and in a horizontal position, means. for elevating said frame, when in a vertical position, and means engageahle With said trame when in a vert-ical position for suspending it when clear of said supporting means.

9. An apparatus 4for stretching hides comprising a frame,.si ipporting means therert'or, a` vertical guide arranged at each Vend of the frame, a` vertically movable" sup-port mounted in eac-h of said guides, a hide stretching frame Vr'evolvably and removably mounted on said supports, spring controlled means for detachably supporting said stretcher frame in'horizontal position, means for elevating said supports carrying the stretcher frame therewith, and a pick-up. device engao'eablc with the stretcher frame when the latter is elevated for suspending the same when tree of said supports.

10. An appara-tus for stretching hides comprising a frame, supporting means therefor, a vertical guide arranged at each end of the vframe, a vertically movable supportmou'nte'd in each of said guides, a hide'. stretching 'trame revloilvably and removably mounted on said supports, spring controlled means tor detachahly supportingsaid stretcher frame in `horizontal position, means for elevating said supports carrying the stretcher trame therewith, a pick-up' deviceengageabl-e with the stretcher ytrame when the latter is elevated for suspending the same Vwhen :tree of said supports, and a portable suspension means for said pick-up device.

11. An 'apparatus for stretching hides comprising a hide stretching frame, means for revolvably, horizontally and vertically supporting said frame, means for elevating said frame when `in a vertical position, and a pick-up device engageable with the frame when the latter is elevated to suspend .the same when clear of said supporting means.

12. in apparat-us for stretching hides comprising a hide stretching frame, means. for revolvabfly, horizontally and vertically. supporting said frame, means for elevating:

said frame when in a vertical position, a'`

pick-up device engageable With the frame when the latter is elevated to suspend the same when clear of said supporting means, and aA portable suspending means for said pick-up device. 4 f

13. An apparatus 'for stretching hides comprising a hide stretching trame, means for revolvably, horizontally and `vertically supportingsaid Iframe, means for elevating said frame when in a vertical position,a pick-up device engageable with the frame when the latter is elevated to suspendl the same when clear of said supporting means,

and a portable support for said supporting means. f

14. An apparatus forv` stretching hides comprising a hide'stre-tching frame, means for revolvably, horizontally and vertically supporting said trame, means for elevating said frame When in avertical position, a pick-up device engageable with the trame when the latter is elevated to suspend the same when clear of said supporting means, and a portable support for said supporting means, said means for elevating said sup-v porting means constituting a brake for said portable support.

15. An apparatus for stretching hides comprising a hide stretching frame, means for revolvably, horizontally and vertically supporting said frame, means for elevating said frame when in: a vertical position, a pick-up device engageable with the frame When the latter is elevated to suspend the same when clear of said supporting means, a portable support 'for said supporting means, and a portable suspending means for said pick-up device.

A16. An apparatus vfor stretching hides comprising a hide stretching frame, means for revolva-bly, horizontally and vertically supporting said trame, means tor elevating said 'frame when in avertieal position, a pick-up device engageable with the Jframe when the latter is elevated to suspend the same when clear oft said supporting means, a l portable support for said supporting means, said means -forelevatiiig..said supportino` meanseonstituting'a brake for said portable support, and a portable suspending means iorsaid pickup device.

17. An apparatus for stretching h ides comprising a hide stretching frame provided with a pair of oppositelyy extending spindles at its longitudinal axis, means in connection with said spindles for revolvably supporting said `traine and turtherior supporting the traine in a vertical position, a spring controlled shittable supporting mechanism for detachably maintaining the frame 1n h orizontal position, an elevating mechanism coacting ivitli said means for elevating the frame when supported in a vertical position, and a pick-up device engageable with one of the side bars. of the frame when `clear of said supporting means in-y a vertical position.y 18, An apparatus for stretching h ides comprising a hide stretching frame pro-vided With a pair of oppositely extending spindles at its longitudinal axis, means in connection With said spindles for revolvably supporting said frame and further forsupporting the frame ina vertical position, a spring controlled shiftable supporting mechanism for detachably maintaining the frame injhorizontal position, an elevating `mechanism coacting With` said means for elevating the frame when supported in a vertical position, a pick-up device engageable with one of the side bars of the frame when clear of said supporting means Ain avertical position, and a portable support for `said supporting means. e l Y 19. An apparatus `for stretching hides comprising a hide stretching frame provided with a pair of oppositely extending spindles at its longitudinal axis, means in connection With said spindles for revolvably support ing said frame and further for supporting the frame in a vertical position, a spring controlled shiftable supporting mechanism for detachably maintaining the `fra-me in horizontal position, an elevating mechanism coacting with said means for elevating the frame when supported in a vertical position, a pick-up 'device' engageable with one of the side bars of the frame when clear of said supporting means in a vertical position, and a portable support for said vsupporting means, said elevating mechanism further constituting a. brake for said portable support.

20. An apparatus for stretching hides comprising a hide stretching frame provided with a pair of oppositely extending spindles at its longitudinal axis, means in connection With said spindles for revolvably supporting said frame and further ttor supporting the frame in a vertical position, a spring controlled shiftable supporting mechanism for detachably maintaining the frame in hori-V Zontal position, an elevating mechanism coacting with said means for` elevating the' comprising. a hide stretching frame provided. with a pair of oppositely extending spindles at its longitudinal axis, means in connection with said spindles for revolvably supporting said ,trame and further for supporting the frame in a vertical position, a spring controlled shiftable supporting mechanism for detachably maintaining the frame in horizontal position, an elevating mechanism coacting with said means for elevating the frame When supported in a vertical posit-ion, a pick-up' device engageable With one ofthe side bars of the frame when clearof said supporting means ina vertical position, a portable support for said supporting means, and a port-able suspending means for said pick-up device.

22. An apparatus for stretching hides comprising a hide stretching frame provided With a pair of oppositely extending spindles at its longitudinal axis, means in connection with said spindles for revolvably supportingv said frame and urtherfor supporting the frame in a verticalposition, a spring controlled .shiftable supporting mechanism for detachably maintaining .the frame in horizontal position, anV eleva-ting mechanism im'y ersl

coacting with said means for elevating the frame when supported in a vertical position, a pick-up device engageable With one of the side bars of the frame Whenclear of said supporting means in a. vertical position, a

portable support for said supporting means,

In testimony whereof, I affix my signature hereto.

sT. CLAIR EDE. 

